Naomi Campbell, whose presence has graced the Met Gala for decades, has announced that she will no longer attend this prestigious event.
In a candid moment shared with her followers, the 54-year-old supermodel expressed that the anxieties associated with the gala have become too overwhelming for her.
“I can’t… I’m too old. It’s too much for me, the anxiety,” she remarked during an episode of her YouTube series, “Being Naomi.” This heartfelt confession came just days before the 2025 Met Gala, a significant occasion in the fashion world.
On her way to the event, Naomi reflected on her history at the Met Gala, noting that this could potentially be her 20th or 21st appearance at the famed fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.
Photo: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Naomi Campbell at the 2024 Met Gala celebrating Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6, 2024.
Dressed in a stunning Burberry turquoise gown for the 2024 event, themed “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” Campbell took her audience behind the scenes of her preparations, showcasing the glamour and intensity that often accompany the event.
The Met Gala, known for its high-fashion spectacle and star-studded guest list, has always been a double-edged sword for many attendees, and Campbell is no exception. It is regarded as the zenith of haute couture events, drawing A-list celebrities who push the boundaries of fashion. However, Naomi’s admission highlights the darker side of such an esteemed event— the anxiety and pressure to adhere to the themes and expectations set each year.
Photo: Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage Naomi Campbell at the 2019 Met Gala
The 2024 theme centered around the idea of historical garments being “reawakened” and creatively reinterpreted, a challenge that many find exhilarating yet daunting. However, Campbell revealed a preference for “playing by her own rules,” showcasing her desire to break free from the confines of theme-based creativity.
“I don’t follow themes, sorry. I just flow,” she added before stepping onto the red carpet.
As Campbell candidly noted, age plays a significant role in her decision to step back from the Met Gala. With the demands of the fashion industry and the pressures of public scrutiny weighing heavily, her choice resonates with many who find themselves grappling with the expectations placed upon them.
